Best DUI Lawyers in Bakersfield

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Bakersfield, California?

  The non-emergency number for reporting minor incidents or property crimes in Bakersfield is 661-327-7111.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Bakersfield, California?

  For online requests, you may obtain a copy from https://bakersfieldca.justfoia.com/publicportal/home/track. For in-person requests, you may purchase reports at the Bakersfield Police Department. You may also write a request and mail it to the police department at 1601 Truxtun Avenue Headquarters, Bakersfield, CA 93301-5109. You may also call at 661-326-3854.

• How much jail time is in store for DUI offenders in Bakersfield?

  First-time Bakersfield DUI offenders have a statutory minimum jail time of two days. Depending on the case’s circumstances, this can extend up to six months. Second-time offenders can expect jail time of 10 days up to one year, while third-time offenders can be jailed from 120 days to one year. Fourth-time offenders can be charged with a misdemeanor with at least 180 days jail time, or be charged with a felony with at least 16 months jail time.

• What are mandatory DUI classes being imposed on offenders in Bakersfield?

  Convicted DUI offenders in Bakersfield undergo time consuming and expensive mandatory DUI classes. They are required for offenders to maintain or receive their driver’s license. The first type of class is informational, which has six sessions that are held once a week. The second type is counseling, which may take 30 months. The latter is similar to AA meetings, where offenders get counseling on alcoholism regardless if they have an alcohol problem or not.

• How long will my driver’s license be suspended if I fail a BAC test in Bakersfield?

  If a Bakersfield driver 21 years old and above has a BAC or blood alcohol content test result of 0.08% and above, and if it is their first DUI offense, they will be suspended for four months. A subsequent offense that occurs within a decade will merit a suspension of one year. If the driver is below 21 years of age and their BAC reading is 0.01% and above, they will also be suspended for a year.

• How does a DMV revocation or suspension for a Bakersfield DUI arrest differ from a revocation or suspension after a criminal conviction in court?

  The DMV revocation or suspension in a DUI case is an administrative action, known as an Administrative Per Se, that is immediately taken solely against an offender’s driving privilege. A DMV sanction imposed in such a case is independent from court-imposed fines, jail sentences, or other criminal penalties when the offender becomes convicted of a DUI crime. A revocation or suspension following a court conviction is a mandatory action wherein jail time, fines, and criminal penalties may be imposed.

• Are DUI roadside breath tests mandatory in Bakersfield?

  While some Bakersfield drivers, such as those on DUI probation or those below 21 years old, need to provide a breath sample, most drivers are not required to undergo preliminary alcohol screening tests. The latter may opt to refuse the test because these roadside devices could be unreliable and may be used against them as a justification for an arrest. There are no penalties that can be lawfully imposed on them either.